Posts Tagged ‘don’t touch the Lord’s anointed’

Revenge is common in our world today. People remember wrongs done and they don’t get mad, they just get even! This thinking is contrary to the word of God! Only God knows the heart of people perfectly. God has made each person and has a purpose for each person. When we destroy another just to get even, it is a very selfish thing to do. We take the place of God when we attempt that. That sounds like original sin and the temptation of the serpent!

David is tempted three times in three chapters and would have been considered “justified” in his actions if he had taken revenge. The first incident involved King Saul hunting him to try and take his life. David and his men were hiding in a cave and Saul came into the cave to relieve himself. David’s men urged him to kill Saul but instead, he went and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Even this act caused David to speak God’s heart! “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1st Samuel 24:6)

The second incident involve a man named Nabal. This man insulted David and his companions after they had protected them in the wilds of the Judean wilderness. It was customary to show some gratitude by helping out with food because of the kindness, but Nabal was foolish and selfish. David was insulted and called his men to strap on their swords to get even. Nabal’s wife Abigail was wise and interceded for her foolish husband. David was moved by her humility and God spoke to him again through her about revenge. “May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” (1st Samuel 25:33)

In the chapter 26, David is again offered the opportunity to kill Saul as he hunts David yet again. David has learned to trust that God will either get even in his own time, or show mercy. (1st Samuel 26:9-11) Would you take time today to examine your own heart for feelings of revenge? “As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.” (1st Samuel 26:24)